The PlayStation 3 / PSP firmware & PS Home update thread [Archive]

CosmicMonkey

01-20-2009, 01:40 PM

I thought it would be handy to have one central thread for all Sony firmware/Home updates. Maybe do the same for the 360 and Wii?

Anyway, Sony have just announced 2.60 for the PS3 (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/01/20/upcoming-ps3-firmware-v260-update/) and 5.03 for the PSP. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/01/19/psp-503-update/)

Check the video for some details on the 2.60 update.

roushimsx

01-20-2009, 01:56 PM

haha, Divx 3.11 support. That's awesome. There's zero legitimate usage for that; they're almost entirely catering to pirates. If it's easier to play your pirated movies on a PS3 instead of a 360 w/ TVersity (or whatever), then why not have a PS3?

Can't say I blame 'em. They need the sales.

norkusa

01-20-2009, 03:41 PM

3.11 support? Isn't divx currently on v6 or 7? Why would Sony support such an older version?

poloplayr

01-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Hmm. I don't know the ins and outs of DivX/Xvid but I have been playing those formats for ages on my PS3? Hmm. What am I missing here?

s1lence

01-20-2009, 04:52 PM

This should be an active thread, every time I turn on my PS3 there is a new update.

davidbrit2

01-20-2009, 05:27 PM

This should be an active thread, every time I turn on my PS3 there is a new update.

Getting a new PS3 game usually goes like this for me:

1. Insert game and start up PS3.
2. Start firmware update.
3. Curse for 30 minutes.
4. Start the game.
5. Download update for the game.
6. Curse for another 5-10 minutes.

rolligame

01-20-2009, 05:39 PM

This is all Sony can bring to the table is Divx? I think they need to start thinking of a price cut.

Frankie_Says_Relax

01-20-2009, 06:30 PM

This is all Sony can bring to the table is Divx? I think they need to start thinking of a price cut.

Um, right. Because the people responsible for firmware development/upgrades have anything to do with the price of the system.

I'll never scoff at Sony's firmware updates for the PSP and PS3, they've consistently listened to what their consumer base has asked for and delivered on nearly every level over the course of the last few years, and while MS and Nintendo have made some respectable updates to their respective firmwares (NXE being the best of those) Sony continues to provide increased value through functionality AND provide free online service/play.

heybtbm

01-20-2009, 06:42 PM

A dedicated topic? Good. Does anyone know why it takes so damn long to download and install each and every PS3 firmware update? It takes seconds to download and install them on the 360. Sure, they're two completely different types of hardware...but c'mon. Sony can't engineer something reasonable?

I cringe every time I read about one of these updates. When you only have 1/2 hour to play a game, these updates prevents me from even turning the PS3 on.

roushimsx

01-20-2009, 06:54 PM

3.11 support? Isn't divx currently on v6 or 7? Why would Sony support such an older version?

People have been clamoring for it forever now because a bulk of their downloaded movies are encoded in Divx 3.11. I honestly never thought that anyone would actually listen to them. Go figure!

The guys doing the firmware updates are some pretty hardcore cool dudes, though. Wish they'd do more interviews...the ones done after the upgraded upscaling and audio processing features were added were awesome.

Hitman Tyler

01-20-2009, 07:24 PM

I personally think this update is useless..

CelticJobber

01-20-2009, 07:35 PM

I don't know how accurate this is, but Playstationlifestyle.net is reporting a few more features in 2.60:

"According to our source, on top of the already announced Photo Gallery feature, and Divx 3.11 support, here are some more of the expected feaures of FW 2.60:

* Safe Mode
* Blu-Ray Disc Theme Support
* HDD Data can be accessed and deleted in-game
* 3-D Secure Support
* Improved System Stability

We are not exactly sure what these features offer, especially the Blu-Ray Disc Theme Support, and the Safe Mode, but we are looking forward to finding out. "

http://playstationlifestyle.net/2009/01/20/more-fw-260-details/

Hitman Tyler

01-20-2009, 07:44 PM

CosmicMonkey

01-20-2009, 09:06 PM

The 2.60 firmware update is available now. I've just installed it along with the Photo Gallery software.

Trebuken

01-21-2009, 03:31 PM

The PS3's firmware upgrades seem abundant becausethey are addressing Blu-Ray functionality in addition to gaming. Many of the upgrades don't benefit everyone, hence the frustration. I personally have not noticed that PS3 updates take any longer to download than something similarly sized on the 360.

TVersity works wonderfully with the PS3 as well. I have recently abandoned it in place of simply connecting my PC to my HDTV, but it played everything for me except some ripped DVD's; .mkv files were a challenge to get working...

FxMercenary

01-21-2009, 03:50 PM

Just updated my PS3 and PSP to the versions, woot!

poloplayr

01-21-2009, 04:29 PM

Would the PS3 theoretically/technically be able to handle .mkv files via a future firmware upgrade? If so, I would cry from happiness.

CosmicMonkey

01-21-2009, 06:23 PM

Frankie_Says_Relax

01-21-2009, 11:46 PM

I'm sure it's technically possible for the PS3 to decode .mkv files, it's all down to Sony implementing it in a firmware update. Whether that actually happens is another thing.

I must admit that the past couple of firmware updates have downloaded really quickly; same with S�ldner-X. Before that, It could take a while. I have just changed over from the crapness that is BT to Virgin so that could explain it.

Oh, and I've changed the title to add PS Home in too. How's everyone getting on with the Red Bull Air Race?

I think my top score is around 54 seconds.

I think it's a lot of fun considering it's more free stuff to do.

I wish (and hope) that they eventually incorporate some type of "leaderboard" so that it can become more of a competition and less of just a mini-game that you play with no real way of proving that you've accomplished a low time.

Also Bowling could use a leaderboard.

YoshiM

01-22-2009, 10:03 AM

It's good to know what's coming down the pike for the PS3. As a new owner, I'm enjoying the sheer flexibility of the system. However, I've discovered that these updates can be a bummer when you have limited time to play.

Last night I wanted to jump into a quick game of Warhawk. I just bought the game so I popped the disc in and tried to play. "You need an update to this game" my PS3 says. Ok, download it. After about, eh, 15 minutes or so the patch is downloaded and installed. Cool! Now I start a game and I'm told that there's a new update to the Playstation Network. I start to download that. I look at my watch and see it's 11:15 PM-my fun time is over and the download isn't even a quarter way yet. I cancel the download and shut down for the night.

Joy.

Neil Koch

01-22-2009, 10:49 AM

I think my top score is around 54 seconds.

I think it's a lot of fun considering it's more free stuff to do.

I wish (and hope) that they eventually incorporate some type of "leaderboard" so that it can become more of a competition and less of just a mini-game that you play with no real way of proving that you've accomplished a low time.

Also Bowling could use a leaderboard.

They'll probably come out with leaderboards for some point, but'll be something you'll pay for. One of the reasons I got rid of Home is that it's going to be micro-transaction hell.

It's good to know what's coming down the pike for the PS3. As a new owner, I'm enjoying the sheer flexibility of the system. However, I've discovered that these updates can be a bummer when you have limited time to play.

Last night I wanted to jump into a quick game of Warhawk. I just bought the game so I popped the disc in and tried to play. "You need an update to this game" my PS3 says. Ok, download it. After about, eh, 15 minutes or so the patch is downloaded and installed. Cool! Now I start a game and I'm told that there's a new update to the Playstation Network. I start to download that. I look at my watch and see it's 11:15 PM-my fun time is over and the download isn't even a quarter way yet. I cancel the download and shut down for the night.

Joy.

One thing I really wish they would add in terms of the downloads is an option to have your system automatically shut off after downloads complete/install, that way you could just start stuff up before you go to bed and not have to worry about running your system all night.

Frankie_Says_Relax

01-22-2009, 01:13 PM

They'll probably come out with leaderboards for some point, but'll be something you'll pay for. One of the reasons I got rid of Home is that it's going to be micro-transaction hell.

While I agree that the service is going to be steeped in micro-transactions ... I'd be surprised if scoring leaderboards will be a pay feature.

I mean, you might be right, but I think it's a long-shot.

Neil Koch

01-22-2009, 02:00 PM

Maybe they wouldn't charge just for leaderboards, but I could definitely see them doing something like "standard" and "gold" levels for the games, where you'd pay $5 and get a little package of stuff like special equipment/powerups for the game, game-specific clothes/accessories for your avatar, different leaderboards, new levels, etc.

Basically, I would see the Home games as offering basic demo-like content for free, but if you want the full game, you'd have to cough up cash. It'd actually make sense for some PSN games to be distubuted that way, especially if they integrated your Home avatar into the game - Pain comes to mind as something that could work like that.

zektor

01-23-2009, 02:30 AM

People have been clamoring for it forever now because a bulk of their downloaded movies are encoded in Divx 3.11. I honestly never thought that anyone would actually listen to them. Go figure!

The guys doing the firmware updates are some pretty hardcore cool dudes, though. Wish they'd do more interviews...the ones done after the upgraded upscaling and audio processing features were added were awesome.

Yes, this IS actually pretty cool. I have many older 3.11 encoded movies that I will have to dig out now and give a go. And i do agree that the guys doing the firmware updates should do more interviews...they are really great.

For the mass population:

Remember, just because YOU have no use for a specific update does not at all mean that the update is useless. There are others out there that DO get use out of updates such as these. Keep em coming!

maxlords

01-23-2009, 12:54 PM

Am I the only one that finds the streaming video for the PS3 inferior to the 360's? Same with the file system...or have they finally updated it to include folders as well?

CosmicMonkey

01-29-2009, 09:56 PM

Home has received an update in Europe: Red Bull Air Race leader boards and the Events Space. This features a new minigame called Tri-Sphere and also the chance to win a spangly new PSP 3000.

Source: Joystiq PlayStation (http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/home-events-space-air-race-leaderboards-now-live-in-europe/)

No idea when this is coming to the US though. The Cafe area that's already available in Asia will also be coming to Euro/US Home shortly too.

CosmicMonkey

02-03-2009, 12:08 PM

Upcoming Capcom releases for Home:

Street Fighter costumes
The ability to jump straight from Home to a SFIV match
Resident Evil area

Source: Joystiq PlayStation (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/street-fighter-and-resident-evil-invade-playstation-home/)

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-12-2009, 11:55 PM

Today in HOME we got the following:

Ninja Outfits
Pirate Outfits
Tuxedos

The "Gamer's Lounge" space.

The price was right on the new clothing options ... unlike some of the other clothes, these are only 50 cents per piece. Not too bad and hopefully high buy rates will lock that in as standard pricing.

The "Gamer's Lounge" space is a bar/lounge looking area brought over from Home Europe ... they took the table games out of the upstairs section for the time being (hopefully they'll develop some new ones for the US space) ... and for some bizarre reason the space has NO ambient/background noise ... which after spending a few months with that ever-present in every space (even private ones) the lack of sound is just MADDENING (like water torture). For once I was glad to have people running their bubble makers.

CosmicMonkey

02-26-2009, 08:33 AM

The Warhawk Game Space is apparently available today.

Source: Joystiq PlayStation (http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/homes-warhawk-space-present-and-future/)

CosmicMonkey

03-25-2009, 09:52 AM

There's a new PS3 firmware coming, along with a patch for Resistance 2. This new firmware will allow for multiple PSN sign-ins, but no other details so far.

Source: Joystiq PlayStation (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/ps3-firmware-update-to-coincide-with-resistance-2-patch/)

CosmicMonkey

03-25-2009, 07:44 PM

Sony have announced at GDC '09 that there will be three new spaces coming to Home every month.

Source: Joystiq PlayStation (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-playstation-home-to-feature-three-new-spaces-every-month/)

CosmicMonkey

04-02-2009, 04:15 AM

G-Boobie

04-02-2009, 04:21 AM

The 2.70 firmware is now available.

- In-game text chat for up to 16 people at a time
- The ability to search the net about a particular game direct from the game section of the XMB using the triangle menu
- The ability to cut and paste text
- A Dynamic Normalizer to prevent sudden increases in volume between music tracks

Source: Joystiq PlayStation (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/ps3-firmware-2-70-brings-16-player-in-game-text-chat/)

Just a heads up, and a question for folks using a custom stick on their PS3. I have a Arcade in A Box slim arcade hybrid(PS360), and after updating my PS3 firmware to 2.70, the system no longer recognizes it. I guess that means I'm playing on 360 from now on...

Has anyone else had this problem? The stick wasn't plugged in when I updated, and it still works on my 360. I checked out the PCB (a Cthulu, I think), and there's no abrasion or foreign matter on it. No scorching either.

CosmicMonkey

04-02-2009, 04:44 AM

I'd email Sony about the problem. Bring on 2.71.

G-Boobie

04-02-2009, 05:36 AM

I'd email Sony about the problem. Bring on 2.71.

I'll probably do just that: for me, though, these weird technical issues usually end up being my fault somehow. I don't want to call up Sony and get all indignant just to find out that I did something stupid, like forget to plug it in or something.

I'll mess with it tomorrow for a while and call if I still can't get it to work.

CosmicMonkey

04-09-2009, 12:09 PM

New content is bound for Home in America on April 9, including a Godfather II room from EA and an update to the Resident Evil 5 space. The Godfather II room will feature a sneak peek at the poker tables from the upcoming EA Sports Home space. It will be used to host a Celebrity Poker tournament which you can attend on the night of Thursday April 9. Just turn up at around 8pm EST dressed as your favorite celebrity and join in.

The newly updated Resident Evil 5 space will also play host to an event on Thursday April 16, where players will be able to play with the game's developers and the Home community team in co-op mode. The event will take place between 6pm and 10pm EST and developers will jump in with anyone who has set up a game-launching session and they will stick around for an entire chapter, or 20 minutes. Whichever comes first.

The updated Resident Evil 5 space will feature a new minigame and a souvenir shop where you can buy Chris and Sheva costumes. Home continues to upgrade and expand at a decent pace now so if you haven't checked it out in a while, now might be a good time.

Source (http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/more-home-content-coming-april-9/)

Neil Koch

04-10-2009, 01:07 AM

- A Dynamic Normalizer to prevent sudden increases in volume between music tracks

Does this help with the music that plays in the main menu when you're browsing the games you have on the HD? Some games are obnoxiously loud.

kupomogli

04-10-2009, 06:02 AM

I'm still waiting for Sony to allow a voice chat session with anyone in your PSN while playing different games like you can do on the 360. The text chat while in game is a stepping stone towards that. Hopefully Sony doesn't force everyone to press the PS button and sit in the chat in order to keep it open though(defeats the purpose of talking to someone while in a game.)

Daft Punk

04-17-2009, 09:57 AM

Im still waiting on a REAL HDMI audio static fix. it was supposed to be fixed a while back but even with the latest update I still get static with hdmi audio .

CosmicMonkey

04-21-2009, 03:31 PM

PSP 5.50 Firmware has been released.

Main features updated in version 5.50

* Information Board

[Information Board] has been added as a feature under PlayStation�Network. The Information Board displays news about games and the latest information about PlayStation�Store.

Other new or revised features in version 5.50

Overall

* The number of folder levels that you can view under Photo, Music and Video has been increased.

Game

* If you select [Internet Search] from the options menu for a game, you can now perform an Internet search based on the name of that game.

Network

* [Trend Micro™ for PSP™] haｓ been added as an option in the Internet browser.

PlayStation�Network

* You can now access PlayStation�Store even if you do not have a PlayStation�Network account.
* An option to sign-in automatically is now available for PlayStation�Store. Set [Sign In Automatically (Auto Sign-In)] on the PlayStation�Store sign-in screen.
* [Download All] has been added as an option for use when multiple items are purchased from PlayStation�Store.
* Less free space is now required on Memory Stick Duo™ media when downloading games from PlayStation�Store. Previously, it was necessary to have free space on the Memory Stick Duo equal to twice the size of the game to be downloaded. With system software version 5.50, you can now download games from PlayStation Store to Memory Stick Duo media if there is free space equal to the size of the content to be downloaded.

Source: PlayStation UK (http://uk.playstation.com/help-support/psp/system-software/detail/item151875/Update-features-(ver-5-50)/)